(American, b. 1957) Dan Peterson is an artistic photographer with a background of over 25 years in advertising. He received his BA in art photography and journalism at Drake University (Iowa) in 1980, and then went on to practice sculpture, drawing, painting, and design in Italy and around the United States. a former associate Creative Director with Tinsley advertising in Miami, Peterson specialized in hotels and resorts; notable campaigns include Sandals Resorts and the SuperClubs Resorts. At the same time, Peterson continued his passion as an artist – producing sculpture and photography.
As a visual artist, Peterson is interested in the expression of abstract ideas through organic shapes found in nature. He is native of South Florida, but works in the Berkshires for part of the year to experience a different environment, which in turn shaped his artistic vision. Instead of combing the beach for rocks or shells that inspire him as he has done for many years, he forages for mushrooms in the woods. These small organisms that inhabit the forest floor are hardly visible among the dense timbers and leaves, yet when spotted, they pop with rebellious hues. The artist finds the most beautiful specimens along his daily walks, then isolates, photographs, and enhances them to a human-scale – allowing viewers to admire their microscopic intricacies. The artist feels that we are connected to these beautiful organic shapes, and cannot help but see ourselves in their forms.
